Newcastle City Council is holding viewings today and tomorrow for anyone with ideas for new ways to use Brandling Park – the former Brandling Bowling Green and Pavilions, situated at the end of Clayton Road in Jesmond.

The Council says it is keen to hear proposals with creative, business or sporting aspirations. Interested bidders will also need to show how their proposals will benefit the local and wider community.

According to Cllr Kim McGuinness, cabinet member for culture, sport and public health at Newcastle City Council, it is “an exciting opportunity for someone to create something extra special for the local community. The bowling green and pavilions provide a great opportunity for an individual or group to come up with a wonderful idea that will benefit both residents and visitors to Newcastle.”

Photograph by Andrew Curtis and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

The larger pavilion has a net internal area of around 75 square metres while the smaller pavilion is 47 square metres and the council is seeking expressions of interest is for both pavilions and the bowling green as a complete package – it says it will not accept bids for part only. Any development will be subject to gaining the relevant planning permissions and shortlisted bidders will need to develop a plan showing how their successful idea will redevelop and refurbish the pavilion buildings and grounds.

Brandling Park was named after the Brandling Family who owned large areas of Felling and later Gosforth from the sixteenth century. The site has rich heritage and community links as Newcastle records refer to Brandling Park Bowling Club as far back as 1882. Brandling Park Bowling Club closed its doors for the final time last year due to a fall in membership numbers.

The dates and times of this week’s viewing opportunities are 22nd May 2018, 4.00-5.30pm and 23rd May 2018, 12.00-1.00pm. No booking is required. For more information and supporting documents, visit  this page on the council website.

The closing date for submissions is 6th July 2018.